People are consuming wine and spirits in unprecedented quantities, with millennials particularly interested in craft cocktails that feature premium, low-sugar ingredients. This trend has opened opportunities for companies like Healthy Beverages, which offers two flavors of mineral-enhanced wine that are catching consumers’ attention. “Many consumer trends are demanding clean, natural ingredients,” said Franz Tudor, CEO and co-founder of Healthy Beverages, in an interview with Food Dive. “Why would removing artificial, GMO-laden ingredients diminish the enjoyment? Natural food-derived vitamins for energy, potassium for heart and muscle health, and low sodium to alleviate bloating… sounds like a great time to me.”
As consumers experiment with various alcoholic beverages, sales across all categories are expected to rise. It remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace alcoholic health beverages, but key factors like price and taste will likely influence their decisions. Regardless, Healthy Beverages is wisely targeting health-conscious wine enthusiasts with a novel product to gauge its market viability.
Moderate consumption of red wine is already linked to increased longevity and protection against heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues. Researchers are even nearing the development of a pill that encapsulates the benefits of red wine, potentially including components like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablets. Ultimately, some consumers may find it challenging to give up their beloved beverages in favor of healthier options, no matter how appealing the taste may be. However, the integration of health-focused ingredients could pave the way for a new category in the alcoholic beverage market.